Nantucket May 17th 1827

Dear Beloved Parents,

I have now the extreme pleasure of saying that we got here safe and sound last evening and found all safe and well- We went from Pittsburg to Erie and to Buffalo and down the Canal - The expense was the same as the Baltimore route and we had the opportunity of seeing the country- Lydia was sea sick on the lake and Harriet has behaved like an angel notwithstanding she had whooping cough of which she is nearly recovered - she is as fit as ever and Lydia has enjoyed good health. We left Macy in New York with his sister and she is much pleased with my attention to her - Our step mother who was Mrs. Margaret Wyer is a fine woman they say - Father was much overcome although he began to expect us -. We stayed but one day in N. York and was 30 hours in coming here- We have thought and talked a great deal of home and have found that Mother's spirits would be very low and dear Deborah, we have been very sorry she went to school the day we left as her

feelings were much hurt- I am aware of the anxiety of Parents to know if we are safe and must be quite brief as the Mail closes immediately -- I will write soon at great length perhaps to Thomas - and with a fervent hope that all we do may be for the best with our dear Father and Mother.

Your affectionate son and daughter

Reuben and Lydia

[note: Harriet was born on this trip to Ohio].